THE TEACHER AS A ROLE MODEL

Teaching is the art of transmitting and imparting knowledge from a facilitator (teacher) to an audience
(student). The teaching profession is one which cuts across every other profession because through teaching,
other professions are brought about or propagated. Teaching as a profession thus encompasses almost all the
skills or qualities applicable in other professions and serves as a torch to other professions in content and
service delivery. As such, a veritable way of discovering the qualities or expectations of the teaching
profession or of the teacher in particular is to examine this noble profession as the prototype of all worthy
human endeavours, or rather more precisely, evaluating the teacher as a role model.
Simply put, a role model is an outstanding character who becomes a positive standard of measuring values
based on ones personality, achievements or lifestyle. A role model is somebody worth emulating; somebody
put up as a criterion for right living. As a role model therefore, certain observations come to the fore
whenever a teacher comes to mind. These include:
Appearance: Ideally, the teacher is supposed to be seen by her students as an epitome of proper societal
decorum. This still holds true for some. Both by her dressing and her body expressions, the teacher
communicates the value of a decent, modest and acceptable dress pattern and body communication. This
cannot be achieved with chalk but through consistent and convinced fashion pattern. The teacher should not
compete with youngsters for fashion relevance, rather the latter should take a cue from these old-timers in
the art of beauty and packaging. Cheerfulness is also another important aspect of a teachers appearance
because more content is taught with smiles than with strokes. The teacher is not expected to appear lofty or
unapproachable like a masquerade but should encourage personal interactions with the students.
Mastery: Good teachers are good researchers. A teacher should have her subject matter at her finger tips.
Subject mastery boosts both teachers confidence and students quest for more. Adequate lesson preparation,
skilfull delivery of contents together with detailed treatment of difficult topics enhance the zeal of the
students to learn more and aspire towards greater levels. Knowledge of the students background is also an
invaluable tool in personalising and monitoring students performance. Wisdom comes handy as an asset to
evaluate, interpret and solidify measures taken to address challenges. Counselling might also be demanded
of the teacher if a student is not measuring up. In all, a good teacher is always willing to learn.
Virtue: The teaching profession is more of a moral profession than a commercial profession. A good teacher
must exude desirable traits in word and deed. Character formation is a basic component of the teaching
apparatus because you cannot give what you do not have. Values such as fairness, objectivity, punctuality,
diligence, dedication, respect, truthfulness, sincerity, confidentiality, comportment, self control, patience,
firmness, moderation, humility, focus, accountability, discipline, responsibility, motivation, language,
neatness, integrity, gentility, self-consciousness, goodwill, mental balance, domestic acumen, versatility,
courage, uprightness, temperance, prudence and foresight function as tools with which the teacher chisels
her wards into polished finished products.
Parental care: A teacher is a parent away from home. Hence, a teacher must imbibe the ability to show
genuine care, empathy, love and vigilance. The teacher is like a polygamous parent and should learn how to
accept, support and uplift the less-endowed. The parent-teacher should provide equal opportunities for all,
ensure fair play in all ramifications and steer erring students properly. Talent hunt, career guidance and
vocation direction should be uppermost in assisting students to effectively and efficiently forge a meaningful
existence in the future.
Fear of God: Above all, a good teacher is a catechist, pastor and spiritual director to the students under her
watch. This necessitates godliness, uprightness as well as moral probity. The teacher must possess both
visible and viable interest in religious things which would in turn hopefully rub off on the students. The fear
of God is the beginning of wisdom. Therefore the teacher must be rooted spiritually in order to enwisdomize
her wards fruitfully.